2019 Renault ZOE Z.E. 40 Range From €24,990

Renault was Europe’s number one electric vehicle (EV) brand in 2018 with almost 50,000 units sold. The Renault ZOE is the brand’s best-selling electric model, and Renault Ireland has announced some changes to the ZOE range for 2019.

The Z.E. 40 long-range battery is now standard across the range. The entry-level trim for ZOE, Expression R90, includes the 22kW Chameleon charger and R-Link navigation with 7” touch screen. The Expression also offers heat pump climate control as standard.

A new, more powerful R110 motor is available on both Dynamique Nav and Signature Nav versions of the Renault ZOE, putting out 110hp. The Dynamique Nav version also offers rear parking sensors, hands-free key card entry as well as automatic lights and wipers, while Signature Nav trim includes leather seats, parking camera and BOSE audio as standard.

Dynamique Nav and Signature Nav trim levels are also available with the Q90 motor. At fast AC charging points (43kW), Q90 versions charge almost twice as fast as ZOE versions with the standard motor.

Renault ZOE pricing starts from €24,990 after VRT relief and SEAI grant, including full battery purchase. ZOE is available with 0% finance through Renault Bank, and available for a 24-hour test drive in all 26 Renault dealerships across Ireland.

Renault’s Commerical EV, the Kangoo Z.E. 33 is also available priced from €28,190 after the SEAI grant of €3,800 for businesses. The van’s 7kW AC charger can take its 33kWh battery to a full charge in just six hours, with the ability to ‘top-up’ the vehicle by up to 33km in just one hour.

The Renault Kangoo ZE is available from €28,190

Companies buying both ZOE and Kangoo can avail of accelerated capital allowances, enabling them to write down the value of their vehicles in a single year, while employees can benefit from 0% BIK. In addition, Renault offers Renault Mobility, an in-house, app-controlled car-sharing solution which simplifies the management of pool cars. Unlike a petrol or diesel pool car, a Renault Mobility ZOE pool car allows employees overnight use with no tax implications thanks to the 0% BIK rating.

Renault is demonstrating its commitment to electric vehicles by appointing a dedicated Z.E. Champion in each of its Irish dealerships, an electric vehicle expert who will be on hand to answer all customer queries about EVs using real-life experience. Renault has also introduced Z.E. Pass which operates in several European countries, including Ireland, allowing customers to charge their EVs on a wide variety of networks, using a single account via a smartphone app.

Patrick Magee, Country Operations Director, Renault Ireland: “The electric vehicle market is growing in Ireland and we are proud to have the only long-range electric vehicle in Ireland under €25,000, the ZOE Z.E. 40, now available with more powerful motors and added extras as standard. EVs are forecast to double annually in the coming years, potentially reaching as much as 6% of the new car market in 2020. Our electric range’s rapid-charging capabilities and 0% APR finance make it a perfect choice for Irish motorists and 0% B.I.K offers added benefits for fleet customers. We encourage those considering the switch to electric to drop into any Renault dealership and experience our EVs for 24 hours!”

Caroline Kidd is the founder and editor of Changing Lanes. She has been writing about cars and the motor industry for over five years and is a juror for Irish Car of the Year. Changing Lanes offers consumers and car enthusiasts a friendly, honest and alternative viewpoint on cars and the motor industry